The Centre aims to produce high-quality and impactful research papers in the area of business, socioeconomics and innovation; provide consultancy services; and establish regional, national and international partnerships with industries, government and non-governmental organisations, academia and other research centres specifically in research and development.

Location: TAR UMT, Penang Branch

1. Objectives
   • To conduct both qualitative and quantitative research in the area of business, socioeconomics and innovation.
   • To provide consultancy services to industries, government and non-governmental organisations and the public in general.
   • To develop content-rich business case studies to be embedded in the course curriculum in order to equip graduates with critical thinking and other essential skills and knowledge required in real-world settings.
   • To provide a platform for turning smart/creative ideas into amazing products or services with commercial and social value.
   • To establish research partnership/authorship with the industries, government and non-governmental organisations, academia and other research centres nationally or internationally to produce high standards and impactful book chapters or research papers in the area of business, socioeconomics and innovation.
   • To invite prominent speakers from academic or industry practitioners either nationally or internationally to share their experiences and expertise in other to facilitate relevant talk/seminar/symposium/workshop/colloquium primarily on research methodology and publication.
2. Vision Statement

   The Centre strives to be a premier consultancy service provider and a leading research centre dedicated to producing high-standard and impactful research papers in the area of business, socioeconomics and innovation for a wide variety of stakeholders within the university and across industries, communities, states, and national and international arenas.

3. Rationale and Research Plan

   The Centre aims to

   • Conduct research in the area of business, socioeconomics and innovation.
   • Facilitate and support research activities undertaken by the Branch Campus via research seminars and workshops.
   • Provides consultancy services to industries, government and non-governmental organisations and other high education institutions.
   • To establish research partnership/authorship with industries, government and non-governmental organisations, academia and other research centres nationally or internationally.
4. Research Center Members and Term of Reference

   Research Center Members

   Leader: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Toh Guat Guan

   Secretary: -

   Members: Dr Lalitha A/p Muniandy, Dr. Teh Kate Yng, Dr. Woo Suk Wah, Dr. Christine Chong, Dr. Chee Wei Loon, Ms. Cheng Seow Voon, Dr. Woo Suk Wah, Mr. Lee Lai Seng and other academic staff who may be appointed from time to time.

   Term of Reference

   • Encourage and cultivate research culture among academic staff and students to undertake research activities in business, socioeconomics and innovation.
   • Establish a collaborative network with industries, other research centres or institutions, government and non-governmental organisations, and professional bodies specifically in research and development.
   • Provide consultancy services to industries, government and non-governmental organisations, and other higher education institutions.
   • Assist staff in the negotiation of terms of research with third parties.
   • Attract local and international research grants to self-sustain the research activities.
   • Administer and monitor the progress of research and development activities at the Branch Campus and forward reports to the RDMC as directed/requested by RDMC or according to the pre-determined schedule of each project.
   • Monitor the claims of researchers and recommend to the RDMC for disbursements.
5. Operation and Activities

   The Centre is focused to produce high-quality research papers and transform smart/creative ideas into amazing products/services with commercial/social value. In addition, the Centre will organize seminars and workshops to improve lecturers’ research skills as and when the need arises and provide consultancy services to industries, government and non-governmental organisations, and other higher education institutions.

6. Funding, Facilities and Equipment

   The Centre will utilize existing facilities and equipment available at Penang Branch. Funding will be sourced from local or international research grants.